A Buyer asked me yesterday "How do I know if this is the House I should make an offer on?". The problem was i was the Listing Agent and they were sent by another agent to see my listing without any representation. They were "First Time Home Buyers" and were not sure how the buying process worked or should go. After a few short questions it was obvious this home was priced too high for this buyer when the buyers blurted out the offer said they could offer $50,000 less to make it in their price range.
With a deep breathe I sat down and let the Buyers know some hard realities of the current market in the Manchester NH area.
Come to find out they did not sign a Buyer Broker Agreement. They found the agent online and had never even met them. They had not even spoken to a Loan Officer to get pre-qualified yet. With a few more questions they told me they were friends with one of my good friends. The wife than jumps up and says "Hey, you could help us find a home."
I could... but first we need to do things right. I whipped out my calculator and within minutes knew what price range they should be in. This listing is priced to sell and still $50,000 over your price range so it is probably not for you. As they were not buying my listing, i could then help them. They spoke with a loan officer i use quite often and within an hour they were pre-qualified, signed a Buyer broker agreement, were informed how the Buying process worked, what to expect and what the market is really like in our area. They had huge smiles and were looking through MLS listings in their price range.
The lesson is that Buyers need to choose an agent more carefully. not just any agent will do. Buyers should know that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest Agent or Company. It is important to Hire the BEST Agent. In NH that could be me.
THE TOP TIPS FOR HOME BUYERS
1. CHOOSING THE RIGHT BUYER BROKER: As a home Buyer in this market you need every advantage you can to get find, buy and close on your DREAM HOME. It starts with choosing the right agent.
a. Using a Full time agent whose sole job is in Real Estate.
b. Using a Full service agent who will guide you through each step of the BUYING process. Discount brokers often equal discount services.
c. Using a Local agent who knows your neighborhood and is readily available when you need them is a must. Out of town agents can leave you high and dry in your time of need.
d. Using a well experienced Buyer Agent can give you the advantages you need when Buying your home. Not all agents are created equal. Choose only the best..
2. GET PRE-QUALIFIED: Before even looking at a home you should get pre-approved for a loan. Few Sellers will look at your offer without it. Meet with a local and trusted mortgage broker, they can prequailify you at no cost, they will look at your credit plus your financials and let you know if there are any mortgages that you may qualify for. You should then tell them you are looking at bank owned homes so they can provide you with a list of what condition the property needs to be in for you to be able to get a mortgage.
IN CONCLUSION: There is a lot of behind the scenes work going on with the purchase of a home. If you did not notice most of these steps, I did a great job. With the decrease in Listings, there is pressure on Agents to provide more service. For agents who have been providing a great service to their clients throughout the last 4-5 years they are being rewarded as home sellers and buyers talk, they let each other know who did the great job or who dropped the ball. As you see it is no accident a home sells. It is through the hard work of the agent.
As a consumer you have a choice. Avoid the thinking that bigger is better. You deserve the Best and that is having some one guide you through each step of the Buying process. If you are looking to purchase a property in NH, you can choose ME. I strive to offer the best in personal and professional service through EACH step of the BUYING process
It does not take magic to turn your "For Sale" sign into a "Sold" sign. it takes a full time Local Agent who specializes in Listing homes like yours.
If you are thinking of buying a Home please contact us. Get a free pre-qualification along with some of the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE through each step of the Buying Prices.
Please call for a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS to know what the value of your home is.
If you need to sell your home and you owe more than your house is worth, i may be able to help. I specialize in working with home owners to get your home sold. There are many options such as a short sale which may be able to help you.We are local agents with experience who GET RESULTS!!!
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